Orientation program highlights workshop on “Mental Health and Well-Being” led by Dr. Satinder Maken
Tathaastu Times Desk, 17 September, 2025
Tathaastu Foundation, an organization dedicated to mental wellness and emotional well-being, organized a highly impactful workshop on “Mental Health and Well-Being” at IIMT University, Greater Noida Campus. The session was conducted as a part of the University’s three-day orientation program designed for the new batch of Engineering and Management students embarking on their higher education journey.
The keynote session was delivered by Dr. Satinder Maken, Founder of Tathaastu Foundation. With her insightful approach, she stressed the importance of being mentally strong, particularly during the transition years of student life. Through relatable and engaging stories, Dr. Maken helped students understand how often we complicate situations in our minds, while the solutions remain simple if we approach them with clarity. She reminded the audience that mental strength is not about avoiding challenges but about facing them with resilience, patience, and positive thinking.
The workshop covered several vital aspects of student life. Dr. Maken reflected on the concept of freedom, explaining that while freedom is essential, it must always be accompanied by responsibility. She drew a thought-provoking analogy, stating that freedom without responsibility is like a ship without a rudder—directionless and bound to drift. Students were encouraged to channel their newfound independence wisely, making choices that would build their character rather than harm their future.
A special emphasis was laid on the practice of positive self-talk. Dr. Maken illustrated how our inner dialogue shapes our confidence, actions, and overall well-being. She shared simple yet powerful affirmations that students could use in moments of self-doubt, reminding them that telling oneself “I can handle this” or “Every mistake is a step toward learning” can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. These exercises resonated deeply with the young audience, who could easily relate to the struggles of balancing academic pressure, peer influence, and personal expectations.
The workshop also guided students on the dos and don’ts of this crucial age. Without preaching, Dr. Maken gently explained how small choices can either strengthen or weaken one’s journey. From avoiding the misuse of freedom to learning how to embrace failure positively, students were inspired to take charge of their decisions with maturity. She used everyday examples and humor to connect with the students, making the session lively, memorable, and thought-provoking.
The event was attended and supported by esteemed dignitaries of IIMT University. Dr. Sumit Aggarwal, Dean of the School of Commerce & Management, Dr. Vikas Singhal, Dean of the College of Engineering, and Mr. Brijesh Raj, Head of the Department of Engineering, were present to welcome and honor the speaker. As a mark of respect and tradition, Dr. Maken was presented with a Tulsi plant, symbolizing purity, resilience, and positive energy. The workshop concluded with a gesture of appreciation as the dignitaries jointly presented a memento to the speaker, marking the session as a meaningful collaboration between the University and the Foundation.
This initiative was not just a one-day event but a continuation of Tathaastu Foundation’s broader mission of creating awareness about mental wellness and empowering youth with practical tools to lead a balanced life. By integrating such programs into academic orientation, the Foundation aims to ensure that students entering higher education are not only academically prepared but also emotionally equipped to handle the demands of the future. The session left students with a deeper understanding of how to build resilience, use their freedom constructively, and practice mindfulness in everyday life.
Many students expressed their gratitude at the end of the workshop, sharing that the session gave them a fresh perspective on how to manage both studies and personal challenges. One engineering student mentioned that the examples about self-talk will help him stay confident during exams, while a management student shared that she learned the true meaning of responsible freedom in campus life. Several students also expressed that the storytelling approach made the lessons easier to remember, and they felt motivated to begin their academic journey with a stronger and more positive mindset.
The workshop on Mental Health and Well-Being at IIMT University thus became a strong reminder that education is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about nurturing the mind and heart. With such initiatives, Tathaastu Foundation continues its journey of spreading mental wellness, making sure that the leaders of tomorrow grow with strength, responsibility, and compassion.
